Flexible-member-routing arrangement and bracket

ABSTRACT

An assembly comprises a flexible member that extends through an aperture defined by a divider component. A distal portion of the flexible member extends away from the assembly at an angle. A first flexible-member-routing bracket is mounted to the divider component and has one or more guide structures that function to facilitate a gradual transition of the flexible member from the direction it extends in as it passes through the aperture defined by the divider component to the direction its distal portion extends in.

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of the U.S.application Ser. No. 10/269,350 filed Oct. 11, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to arrangements for routingflexible members in a non-linear manner within assemblies.

DRAWINGS

[0003] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become moreapparent upon perusal of the detailed description thereof and uponinspection of the drawings in which:

[0004]FIG. 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of an assemblyaccording to the present invention including a firstflexible-member-routing bracket that has trailing guide-structure,intermediate guide-structure, and leading guide-structure that extendsall the way through the flexible-member-routing aperture.

[0005]FIG. 2 is a plan view of a second embodiment of an assemblyaccording to the present invention including a firstflexible-member-routing bracket with a trailing guide-surface that facesgenerally toward the flexible-member-routing aperture.

[0006]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a firstflexible-member-routing bracket that comprises side guide-structuresextending from its trailing guide-structure.

[0007]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first flexible-member-routingbracket shown in FIG. 1.

IN THE SPECIFICATION

[0008]FIG. 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of an assemblyaccording to the present invention including a firstflexible-member-routing bracket that has guide structure that isdisposed on the inside of the arc of the flexible member as ittransitions to extend through the flexible-member-routing aperture andwhich guide structure also extends through the flexible-member-routingaperture.

[0009]FIG. 2 is a plan view of a second embodiment of an assemblyaccording to the present invention including a firstflexible-member-routing bracket with guide structure that is disposed onthe outside of the arc of the flexible member as it transitions toextend through the flexible-member-routing aperture.

[0010]FIG. 5 is a plan view of a third embodiment of an assemblyaccording to the present invention including a firstflexible-member-routing bracket with guide surfaces on both the insideand the outside of the arc of the flexible member as it transitions toextend through the flexible-member-routing aperture.

[0011]FIG. 7 is a plan view of a fifth embodiment of an assemblyaccording to the present invention including a firstflexible-member-routing bracket that comprises only guide surfaces thatare substantially parallel to the aperture axis of theflexible-member-routing aperture.

[0012]FIG. 9 is a plan view of a seventh embodiment of an assemblyaccording to the present invention including a firstflexible-member-routing bracket that comprises only guide structuresdistant from the flexible-member-routing aperture.

[0013]FIG. 11 is a plan view of a ninth embodiment of an assemblyaccording to the present invention including an embodiment of a firstflexible-member-routing bracket that comprises guide structure disposedon both sides of the divider component.

[0014]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a flexible member that isstrapped to an embodiment of a first flexible-member-routing bracketthat is constructed in such a manner that, when it is properly mountedto a divider component, the guide surfaces disposed on the side of thedivider component opposite the mounting structure of the firstflexible-member-routing bracket are disposed on the outside of the arcof the flexible member as it transitions away from theflexible-member-routing aperture.

[0015] The present invention is an arrangement for routing a flexiblemember 34 in a gradually-transitioning non-linear manner in an assembly35 and a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 that provides for therouting arrangement of the present invention. FIGS. 1-17 illustrateassemblies 35 and first flexible-member-routing brackets 10 inaccordance with the present invention. An assembly 35 in accordance withthe present invention comprises a divider component 24 that defines aflexible-member-routing aperture 26 through itself. A first portion 28of a flexible member 34 extends through the flexible-member-routingaperture 26. A second portion 29 of the flexible member 34 extends awayfrom the flexible-member-routing aperture 26 at an angle of at least 30degrees and at most 150 degrees to an aperture axis 27 of theflexible-member-routing aperture 26. The flexible member 34 alsocomprises a third portion 58 that is disposed upon a side of its firstportion 28 opposite the second portion 29. In some embodiments of thepresent invention the second portion 29 of the flexible member 34extends away from the aperture axis 27 of the flexible-member-routingaperture 26 at an angle of greater than 45 degrees and less than 135degrees. In many embodiments of the present invention an assembly 35constructed in accordance therewith includes a distalflexible-member-routing surface 25 that is defined by the dividercomponent 24 or some other component of the assembly 35, that extends atan angle of at least 30 degrees and at most 150 degrees to the apertureaxis 27 of the flexible-member-routing aperture 26, and adjacent whichat least a portion of the second portion 29 of the flexible member 34extends. In some embodiments of the present invention a distalflexible-member-routing surface 25 defined by the divider component 24extends at an angle of greater than 45 degrees and less than 135 degreesrelative to the aperture axis 27 of the flexible-member-routing aperture26.

[0016] An assembly 35 according to the present invention includes afirst flexible-member-routing bracket 10 that functions to ensuregradual transition of the flexible member 34 as it extends from itssecond portion 29 that is disposed at an angle of at least 30 degreesand at most 150 degrees to the aperture axis 27 to its first portion 28that extends through the flexible-member-routing aperture 26. The firstflexible-member-routing bracket 10 is serviceably fixedly engaged to thedivider component 24 through serviceable fixed engagement of itsmounting structure 12 to the divider component 24. For purposes of thisdisclosure the term serviceably fixedly engaged is to be understood tomean that a component is fixedly engaged to another in such a mannerthat the two components may be readily separated from one anotherwithout rendering either of the components unusable. Components that arefixedly engaged to one another by fasteners such as threaded fasteners,clips, and rivets would, for instance, be considered to be serviceablyfixedly engaged to one another. By contrast, components that are fixedlyengaged to one another through means such as welding would generally beconsidered to be non-serviceably fixedly engaged to one another. In someembodiments of the present invention a first flexible-member-routingbracket 10 according to the present invention comprises firstguide-structure 11 that is disposed upon a same side of the dividercomponent 24 as is the mounting structure 12 of the firstflexible-member-routing bracket 10 and that defines first guide-surface13. The construction of such a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10according to the present invention is such that, when it is properlymounted to the divider component 24, its first guide-surface 13 isdisposed at a distance from the flexible-member-routing aperture 26 indirections parallel to the aperture axis 27 thereof. The construction ofsuch a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 according to the presentinvention is further such that, when it is properly mounted to thedivider component 24 its first guide-surface 13 is disposed at adistance from the aperture axis 27 in directions perpendicular to theaperture axis 27. The construction of a first flexible-member-routingbracket 10 that comprises first guide-structure 11 and a firstguide-surface 13 defined thereby, is further such that, when it isproperly mounted to the divider component 24, the first guide-surface 13is disposed at an angle of at least 30 degrees and at most 150 degreesrelative to the aperture axis 27 of the flexible-member-routing aperture26. In assemblies 35 according to the present invention that includesuch a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10, the flexible member 34has a portion disposed adjacent to the first guide-surface 13 of thefirst flexible-member-routing bracket 10. As will be described ingreater detail below, in many embodiments of the present invention therelative positions and/or engagement to one another of the flexiblemember 34 and the first guide-structure 11 is/are such that the firstguide-structure 11 functions to maintain the portion of the flexiblemember 34 adjacent to it at a distance from the flexible-member-routingaperture 26 in directions parallel to the aperture axis 27. In suchembodiments of the present invention, by maintaining the portion of theflexible member 34 adjacent the first guide structure 11 in spacedrelationship with the flexible-member-routing aperture 26, the firstguide-structure 11 helps to ensure that the flexible member 34 willextend in a gently curving manner between its first portion 28 and itssecond portion 29. The greater the distance between the portion of theflexible member 34 adjacent the first guide-structure 11 and theflexible-member-routing aperture 26 in directions parallel to theaperture axis 27, the more gradual is the manner in which the flexiblemember 34 curves as it extends between the second portion 29 and thefirst portion 28 of the flexible member 34. Thus, in embodiments wherethe first guide-structure 11 of the first flexible-member-routingbracket 10 functions to maintain the portion of the flexible member 34adjacent to the first guide-structure 11 in spaced relationship to theflexible-member-routing aperture 26, it is generally the case that, thegreater the distance between the trailing guide-structure 11 and theflexible-member-routing aperture 26 in directions parallel to theaperture axis 27, the more gentle will be the curvature of the flexiblemember 34. In some embodiments of the present invention, assemblies 35constructed in accordance therewith are configured in such a manner thatthe distance between the first guide-surface 13 and theflexible-member-routing aperture 26 in directions parallel to theaperture axis 27 is at least three times a minimum diametrical dimensionof the flexible member 34. In some assemblies according to the presentinvention the first guide-surface 13 of a first flexible-member-routingbracket 10 is disposed at an angle of greater than 45 degrees and lessthan 135 degrees relative to the aperture axis 27 of theflexible-member-routing aperture 26.

[0017] It is important to note that, for purposes of this disclosure theangle between the aperture axis 27 and features of the assembly 35 thatare disposed upon a same side of the divider component 24 as themounting structure 12 of the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 isalways defined to be the angle between that feature and the portion ofthe aperture axis 27 that is disposed upon the same side of the dividercomponent 24 as the mounting structure 12 of the firstflexible-member-routing bracket 10. It is important that this conventionfor measuring the angle between the aperture axis 27 and other featuresof an assembly 35 be utilized in order to ensure proper recognition ofall assemblies that are in accordance with this invention. For instance,FIG. 10 illustrates an assembly 35 that is in accordance with thepresent invention. According to the above-described convention formeasuring the angle between the aperture axis 27 and the other featuresof the assembly 35 the second portion 29 of the flexible member 34extends away from the first portion 28 of the flexible member 34 at anangle of greater than 90 degrees. If a person were to erroneouslydetermine the angle between the aperture axis 27 and the second portion29 of the flexible member 34 by measuring the angle between the secondportion 29 of the flexible member 34 and the portion of the apertureaxis 27 that is on the side of the divider component 24 opposite thatupon which the flexible-member-routing bracket 10 is disposed, theywould erroneously determine the angle between the aperture axis 27 andthe second portion 29 of the flexible member 34 to be less than 90degrees. Similar erroneous determination of the angle between theaperture axis 27 and other features of the assembly 35 would lead to theincorrect conclusion that the assembly shown in FIG. 10 is not inaccordance with the present invention. By utilizing the above-describedconvention for determining the angle between the aperture axis 27 andother features of the assembly 35 one would correctly determine that theangle between the aperture axis 27 and the second portion 29 of theflexible member 34 shown in FIG. 10 is greater than 90 degrees andfurther that the angles between each of the other features of theassembly 35 shown in FIG. 10 and the aperture axis 27 thereof are suchthat the assembly 35 of FIG. 10 is in accordance with the presentinvention. It is also important to note that, for purposes of thisdisclosure the angle between the aperture axis 27 and features of theassembly 35 that are disposed upon a side of the divider component 24opposite the mounting structure 12 of the first flexible-member-routingbracket 10 is always defined to be the angle between that feature andthe portion of the aperture axis 27 that is disposed upon the oppositeside of the divider component 24 as the first guide-structure 11 of thefirst flexible-member-routing bracket 10.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as those shownin FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, and 17 the first guide-surface 13of a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 faces away from theflexible-member-routing aperture 26. In other embodiments of the presentinvention, such as that shown in FIG. 2, the first guide-surface 13 of afirst flexible-member-routing bracket 10 faces generally toward theflexible-member-routing aperture 26. In some embodiments of the presentinvention, such as those shown in FIG. 5, a firstflexible-member-routing bracket 10 has a first guide-surface 13 thatfaces away from the flexible-member-routing aperture 26 and also hasanother surface that is parallel to and faces the first guide-surface 13and that is disposed upon an opposite side of the flexible member 34from the first guide-surface 13. In embodiments of assemblies 35according to the present invention in which the first guide-surface 13faces away from the flexible-member-routing aperture 26, abutmentbetween the first guide-surface 13 and the flexible member 34 functionsto maintain the portion of the flexible member 34 that is adjacent thefirst guide-surface in spaced relationship to theflexible-member-routing aperture 26. In some of the embodiments ofassemblies 35 according to the present invention, such as that shown inFIG. 2, in which the first guide-surface 13 faces generally toward theflexible-member-routing aperture 26, the portion of the flexible member34 that is disposed adjacent to the first guide-surface 34 is engaged tothe first guide-structure 11 through means such as straps 42 so that thefirst guide-structure 11 functions to maintain the portion of theflexible member 34 adjacent the first guide-surface 13 in spacedrelationship to the flexible-member-routing aperture 26.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as those shownin FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, 11, 16, and 17 the firstflexible-member-routing bracket 10 comprises second guide-structure 40that is disposed upon a same side of the divider component 24 as is themounting structure 12 of the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10,and which further facilitates desirable routing of the flexible member34. The second guide-structure 40 of a first flexible-member-routingbracket 10 according to the present invention is directly or indirectlyfixedly engaged to the mounting structure 12 thereof. The secondguide-structure 40 of a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 definesa second guide-surface 41. Additionally, in such assemblies 35 accordingto the present invention, the second guide-surface 41 is disposedadjacent to the flexible-member-routing aperture 26 and extends atangles of greater than 0 degrees and less than 60 degrees relative tothe aperture axis 27. In such embodiments of the present invention aportion of the flexible member 34 extends adjacent the secondguide-surface 41 and movement of that portion of the flexible member 34away from the aperture axis 27 is limited by the second guide-surface41. This constriction of movement of the flexible member 34 by thesecond guide-surface 41 further helps to ensure that the flexible member34 extends in a gently curving manner between its second portion 29 andits first portion 28. In some embodiments of the present invention thesecond guide-surface 41 of the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10extends at an angle of greater than 0 and less than 45 degrees relativeto the aperture axis 27 of the flexible-member-routing aperture 26.Assemblies 35 according to the present invention that include a firstflexible-member-routing bracket 10 with both a second guide-surface 41and a first guide-surface 13 are configured in such a manner that thesecond guide-surface 41 is closer to the flexible-member-routingaperture 26 in directions parallel to the aperture axis 27 than thefirst guide-surface 13. In such assemblies 35 according to the presentinvention the second guide-surface 41 is also disposed closer to theaperture axis 27 in directions perpendicular thereto than is the firstguide-surface 13. In some such assemblies 35 of the present invention afirst flexible-member-routing bracket 10 according to the presentinvention that also includes a first guide-surface 13 is furtherconstructed such that the angle between its second guide-surface 41 andthe aperture axis 27 is between 30 and 150 degrees less than the anglebetween its first guide-surface 13 and the aperture axis 27. In somesuch assemblies 35 of the present invention a firstflexible-member-routing bracket 10 according to the present inventionthat also includes a first guide-surface 13 is further constructed suchthat the angle between its second guide-surface 41 and the aperture axis27 is between 45 and 135 degrees less than the angle between its firstguide-surface 13 and the aperture axis 27. In some embodiments of thepresent invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 7, 11 and 16 thesecond guide-structure 40 and the second guide-surface 41 of a firstflexible-member-routing bracket 10 also extend through theflexible-member-routing aperture 26 and meet first opposite-sideguide-structure 49 that defines a first opposite-side guide-surface 51as is described in greater detail below.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as those shownin FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17, a firstflexible-member-routing bracket 10 comprises third guide-structure 19that is fixedly engaged to and extends between the first guide-structure11 and the second guide-structure 40. In some embodiments of the presentinvention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 16 and 17, the third guide-structure 19 of such an embodiment ofa first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 defines a third guide-surface20 that extends in a sweeping manner between the second guide-surface 41and the first guide-surface 13. In assemblies 35 that utilize suchembodiments of a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 a portion ofthe flexible member 34 extends adjacent the intermediate guide-surface20. Thus, in such embodiments of the present invention the intermediateguide-surface 20 further limits the movement of the flexible member 34in such a manner to helps ensure that the flexible member 34 curves asit extends between its second portion 29 and its first portion 28.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present invention one or more portionsof the flexible member 34 are strapped to the firstflexible-member-routing bracket 10 to further help ensure that theflexible member 34 extends in a gently curving manner between the secondportion 29 and the first portion 28. A portion of the flexible member 34is considered to be strapped to the first flexible-member-routingbracket 10 if a strap 42 that is mounted to the firstflexible-member-routing bracket 10 surrounds it. A strap 42 may bemounted to the first flexible-member-routing bracket through fasteners,as a result of a portion of the strap 42 extending through an apertureor channel defined through the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10,and/or as a result of the strap 42 being snugly wrapped around the firstflexible-member-routing bracket 10 and the flexible member 34. In someembodiments of the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 2,6, 8, 14, 15, 16 and 17, a portion of the flexible member 34 is strappedto the first guide-structure 11 of the first flexible-member-routingbracket 10. In some embodiments of the present invention, such as thoseshown in FIGS. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 17, a portion of the flexible member 34 isstrapped to the second guide-structure 40 of the firstflexible-member-routing bracket 10. In some embodiments of the presentinvention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 8, 11, 12, 13, and 17, aportion of the flexible member 34 is strapped to the thirdguide-structure 19 of the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10.

[0022] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as those shownin FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, a firstflexible-member-routing bracket 10 defines one or more strap-locatingfeatures 16 including one or more strap-locating apertures 17 and/or oneor more strap-locating channels 18 that extend through the firstflexible-member-routing bracket 10. As is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 4,7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, assemblies 35 according to thepresent invention that include such a first flexible-member-routingbracket 10 often have straps 42 that extend through strap-locatingfeatures 16, which function to help maintain those straps 42 in theirdesired positions. Some first flexible-member-routing brackets 10according to the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 2,4, 14, 15, 16, and 17, comprise first guide-structure 11 that definesone or more strap-locating features 16 through which straps 42 ofassemblies 35 that include those first flexible-member-routing brackets10 may extend. Some first flexible-member-routing brackets 10 accordingto the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 7, and17, may comprise second guide-structure 40 that defines one or morestrap-locating features 16 through which straps 42 of assemblies 35 thatinclude those first flexible-member-routing brackets 10 may extend. Somefirst flexible-member-routing brackets 10 according to t h e presentinvention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 11, 12, 13, and 17,comprise third guide-structure 19 that defines one or morestrap-locating features 16 through which straps 42 of assemblies 35 thatinclude those first flexible-member-routing brackets 10 may extend.Strap-locating features 16 defined by a first flexible-member-routingbracket 10 according to the present invention may extend in anydirection through the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10. In someembodiments of the present invention strap-locating features 16 extendthrough a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 in such a directionthat, when the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 is properlyassembled with the other components of an assembly 35 according to thepresent invention, the direction in which the strap-locating features 16extend through the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 isperpendicular to the direction that adjacent portions of the flexiblemember 34 extend in. Straps 42 that are looped through strap-locatingfeatures 16 that are so oriented are prevented from sliding along theflexible member 34. As is mentioned elsewhere in the disclosure, in someembodiments of the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 7,11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, a first flexible-member-routing bracket10 has second guide-structure 40 that extends all the way through theflexible-member-routing aperture 26 and meets first opposite-sideguide-structure 49 that is disposed upon a side of the divider component24 opposite the mounting structure 12 of the firstflexible-member-routing bracket 10. In some such embodiments, such asthose shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, of the present invention the firstflexible-member-routing bracket 10 has second guide-structure structure40 that defines one or more strap-locating features 16 and opposite-sideleading guide-structure 49 that also defines one or more strap-locatingfeatures 16. Such a construction of a first flexible-member-routingbracket 10 facilitates desirable routing of the flexible member 34 byproviding for strapping of the flexible member 34 to the secondguide-structure 40 and the first opposite-side guide-structure 49.

[0023] In some embodiments of the present invention, the third portion58 of the flexible member 34 extends away from its first portion 28 atan angle of greater than 30 degrees and less than 150 degrees relativeto the aperture axis 27 of the flexible-member-routing aperture 26. Insome such embodiments of the present invention the assembly 35 comprisesfirst opposite-side guide-structure 49, second opposite-sideguide-structure 47, and/or third opposite-side guide-structure 48 thatare disposed upon a side of the divider component 24 opposite themounting structure 12 of the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10and that function to promote gradual curving extension of the flexiblemember 34 between its first portion 28 and its third portion 58. Suchassemblies according to the present invention are illustrated in FIGS.1, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17. As is illustrated in FIG. 17, somesuch embodiments of assemblies 35 of the present invention comprise asecond flexible-member-routing bracket 50 that is serviceably fixedlyengaged to the divider component 24 and that comprises firstopposite-side guide-structure 49, second opposite-side guide-structure47, and/or third opposite-side guide-structure 48. Alternatively, as isillustrated in FIGS. 1, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16, in someembodiments of assemblies 35 of the present invention the firstflexible-member-routing bracket 10 comprises first opposite-sideguide-structure 49, second opposite-side trailing guide-structure 47,and/or third opposite-side guide-structure 48. In some embodiments ofthe present invention the third portion 58 of the flexible member 34extends away from the flexible-member-routing aperture 26 at an angle ofgreater than 45 degrees and less than 135 degrees relative to theaperture axis 27.

[0024] In many embodiments of assemblies 35 of the present inventionthat include second opposite-side guide-structure 47, that secondopposite-side guide-structure 47 defines a second opposite-sideguide-surface 52 that is disposed at a distance from theflexible-member-routing aperture 26 in directions parallel to theaperture axis 27 thereof. The second opposite-side guide-surface 52 isfurther disposed at a distance from the aperture axis 27 of theflexible-member-routing aperture 26 in directions perpendicular to theaperture axis 27. The construction of an assembly 35 that comprisessecond opposite-side guide-structure 47 and a second opposite-sideguide-surface 52 defined thereby, is further such that the secondopposite-side guide-surface 52 is disposed at an angle of at least 30degrees and at most 150 degrees relative to the aperture axis 27 of theflexible-member-routing aperture 26. In assemblies 35 according to thepresent invention that include second opposite-side guide-structure 47and a second opposite-side guide-surface 52 defined thereby, a portionof the flexible member 34 is a disposed adjacent to the secondopposite-side guide-surface 52. As will be described in greater detailbelow, in many embodiments of the present invention the relativepositions and/or engagement to one another of the flexible member 34 andthe second opposite-side guide-structure 47 is/are such that the secondopposite-side guide-structure 47 functions to maintain the portion ofthe flexible member 34 that is disposed adjacent the secondopposite-side guide structure 47 at a distance from theflexible-member-routing aperture 26 in directions parallel to theaperture axis 27. In such embodiments of the present invention, bymaintaining the portion of the flexible member 34 that is disposedadjacent the second opposite-side guide structure 47 in spacedrelationship with the flexible-member-routing aperture 26, the secondopposite-side guide-structure 47 helps to ensure that the flexiblemember 34 will extend in a gently curving manner between its thirdportion 58 and its first portion 28. The greater the distance betweenthe portion of the flexible member 34 that is disposed adjacent thesecond opposite-side guide structure 47 and the flexible-member-routingaperture 26 in directions parallel to the aperture axis 27, the moregradual is the manner in which the flexible member 34 curves as itextends between its third portion 58 and its first portion 28. Thus, inembodiments where the second opposite-side guide-structure 47 functionsto maintain the portion of the flexible member 34 that is disposedadjacent the second opposite-side guide structure 47 in spacedrelationship to the flexible-member-routing aperture 26, it is generallythe case that, the greater the distance between the second opposite-sideguide-structure 47 and the flexible-member-routing aperture 26 indirections parallel to the aperture axis 27, the more gentle will be thecurvature of the of the flexible member 34 between its third portion 58and its first portion 28. In some embodiments of the present invention,assemblies 35 constructed in accordance therewith are configured in sucha manner that the distance between the second opposite-sideguide-surface 52 and the flexible-member-routing aperture 26 indirections parallel to the aperture axis 27 is at least three times aminimum diametrical dimension of the flexible member 34. In someembodiments of the present invention the second opposite-sideguide-surface 52 is disposed at an angle of greater than 45 degrees andless than 135 degrees relative to the aperture axis 27 of theflexible-member-routing aperture 26.

[0025] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as those shownin FIGS. 11 and 17, the second opposite-side guide-surface 52 of anassembly 35 faces away from the flexible-member-routing aperture 26. Inother embodiments of the present invention, such as the one shown inFIG. 16, the second opposite-side guide-surface 52 faces generallytoward the flexible-member-routing aperture 26. In embodiments ofassemblies 35 according to the present invention in which the secondopposite-side guide-surface 52 faces away from theflexible-member-routing aperture 26, abutment between the secondopposite-side guide-surface 52 and the portion of the flexible member 34that is adjacent to the second opposite-side guide-surface 52 functionsto maintain the portion of the flexible member 34 that is adjacent tothe second opposite-side guide-surface 52 in spaced relationship to theflexible-member-routing aperture 26. In some of the embodiments ofassemblies 35 according to the present invention, such as the one shownin FIG. 16, in which the second opposite-side guide-surface 52 facesgenerally toward the flexible-member-routing aperture 26, the flexiblemember 34 is engaged to the second opposite-side guide-structure 47through means such as straps 42 so that the second opposite-sideguide-structure 47 functions to maintain the the portion of the flexiblemember 34 that is adjacent to the second opposite-side guide-surface 52in spaced relationship to the flexible-member-routing aperture 26.

[0026] As was mentioned above, some assemblies 35 according to thepresent invention comprise first opposite-side guide-structure 49. Thefirst opposite-side guide-structure 49 of an assembly according to thepresent invention defines a first opposite-side guide-surface 51. Thefirst opposite-side guide-surface 51 is disposed adjacent to theflexible-member-routing aperture 26. Additionally, in such assemblies 35according to the present invention, the first opposite-sideguide-surface 51 extends at angles of more than 0 and less than 60degrees relative to the aperture axis 27. In such embodiments of thepresent invention portion of the flexible member 34 extends adjacent thefirst opposite-side guide-surface 51 and movement of that portion of theflexible member 34 e away from the aperture axis 27 is limited by thefirst opposite-side guide-surface 51. This constriction of movement ofthe flexible member 34 by the first opposite-side guide-surface 51further helps to ensure that the flexible member 34 extends in a gentlycurving manner between its first portion 28 and its third portion 58. Insome embodiments of the present invention the first opposite-sideguide-surface 51 of an assembly 35 is disposed at an angle of more than0 degrees and less than 45 degrees relative to the aperture axis 27 ofthe flexible-member-routing aperture 26. An assembly 35 according to thepresent invention that includes a first opposite-side guide-surface 51and a second opposite-side guide-surface 52 is configured in such amanner that the first opposite-side guide-surface 51 is closer to theflexible-member-routing aperture 26 in directions parallel to theaperture axis 27 than the first opposite-side guide-structure 52. Insuch assemblies 35 according to the present invention the firstopposite-side guide-surface 51 is also disposed closer to the apertureaxis 27 in directions perpendicular thereto than is the secondopposite-side guide-surface 52. In some assemblies 35 of the presentinvention that comprise both a first opposite-side leading guide-surface51 and a second opposite-side guide-surface 52 the angle between thefirst opposite-side guide-surface 51 and the aperture axis 27 is between30 and 150 degrees less than the angle between the second opposite-sideguide-surface 52 and the aperture axis 27. In some assemblies 35 of thepresent invention that comprise both a first opposite-side guide-surface51 and a second opposite-side guide-surface 52 the angle between thefirst opposite-side guide-surface 51 and the aperture axis 27 is between45 and 135 degrees less than the angle between the second opposite-sideguide-surface 52 and the aperture axis 27.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as those shownin FIGS. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, an assembly 35 thereofcomprises third opposite-side guide-structure 48 that is fixedly engagedto and extends between the second opposite-side guide-structure 47 andthe first opposite-side guide-structure 49. In some embodiments of thepresent invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,and 17, the third opposite-side guide-structure 48 defines a thirdopposite-side guide-surface 53 that extends in a sweeping manner betweenthe first opposite-side guide-surface 51 and the second opposite-sideguide-surface 52. In such assemblies 35 a portion of the flexible member34 extends adjacent the third opposite-side guide-surface 53. Thus, insuch embodiments of the present invention the third opposite-sideguide-surface 53 limits the movement of the portion of the flexiblemember 34 adjacent it and further helps ensure that flexible member 34extends in a gently curving manner as it extends between its firstportion 28 and its second portion 58.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present invention one or more portionsof the flexible member 34 are strapped to first opposite-sideguide-structure 49, second opposite-side guide-structure 47, and/orthird opposite-side guide-structure 48, which helps to ensure that theflexible member 34 extends in a gently curving manner between its thirdportion 58 and its first portion 28. A portion of the flexible member 34is considered to be strapped to a structure if a strap 42 that ismounted to that structure surrounds that portion of the flexible member34. A strap 42 may be mounted to structure through fasteners, as aresult of a portion of the strap 42 extending through an aperture orchannel defined through the structure, and/or as a result of the strap42 being snugly wrapped around the structure and the flexible member 34.In some embodiments of the present invention, such as the one shown inFIGS. 14, 15, and 16, a portion of the flexible member 34 is strapped tothe second opposite-side guide-structure 47. In some embodiments of thepresent invention, such as the one shown in FIG. 17, a portion of theflexible member 34 is strapped to the first opposite-sideguide-structure 49. In some embodiments of the present invention, suchas the one shown in FIG. 17, a portion of the flexible member 34 isstrapped to the third opposite-side guide-structure 48.

[0029] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as those shownin FIGS. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, second opposite-sideguide-structure 47, third opposite-side guide-structure 48, and/or firstopposite-side guide-structure 49 define one or more strap-locatingfeatures 16 including one or more strap-locating apertures 17 and/or oneor more strap-locating channels 18. As is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 4,and 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, such assemblies 35 according tothe present invention often have straps 42 that extend throughstrap-locating features 16, which function to help maintain those straps42 in their desired positions. Some assemblies 35 according to thepresent invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 14, 15, 16, and17, comprise second opposite-side guide-structure 47 that defines one ormore strap-locating features 16 through which straps 42 extend. Someassemblies 35 according to the present invention, such as the one shownin FIG. 17, comprise first opposite-side guide-structure 49 that definesone or more strap-locating features 16 through which straps 42 extend.Some assemblies 35 according to the present invention, such as the oneshown in FIG. 17, comprise third opposite-side guide-structure 48 thatdefines one or more strap-locating features 16 through which straps 42extend. Strap-locating features 16 defined by second opposite-sideguide-structure 47, third opposite-side guide-structure 48, and/or firstopposite-side guide-structure 49 according to the present invention mayextend in any direction therethrough. In some embodiments of the presentinvention strap-locating features 16 defined by second opposite-sideguide-structure 47, third opposite-side guide-structure 48, and/or firstopposite-side guide-structure 49 extend therethrough in directionsperpendicular to the direction that adjacent portions of the flexiblemember 34 extend. Straps 42 that are looped through strap-locatingfeatures 16 that are so oriented are prevented from sliding along theflexible member 34. In some embodiments of the present invention anassembly 35 thereof comprises a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10with second opposite-side guide structure 40 that defines one or morestrap-locating features 16 and also comprises first opposite-sideguide-structure 49 that defines one or more strap-locating features 16.In some such embodiments of the present invention a portion of theflexible member 34 is strapped to the second guide-structure 40 of thefirst flexible-member-routing bracket 10 by one or more straps 42 thatextend through strap-locating features 16 defined by the secondguide-structure 40. Furthermore, in some such embodiments of the presentinvention a portion of the flexible member 34 is strapped to the firstopposite-side guide-structure 49 by one or more straps 42 that extendthrough strap-locating features 16 defined by the first opposite-sideguide-structure 49.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as that shownin FIG. 3, one or more of the first guide-structure 11, secondguide-structure 40, guide-structure 19, second opposite-sideguide-structure 47, third opposite-side guide-structure 48, and/or firstopposite-side guide-structure 49 may have side guide-structures 43engaged to them. In such embodiments of the present invention the sideguide-structures 43 define side guide-surfaces 44 adjacent which variousportions of the flexible member 34 extend in such a manner that the sideguide-surfaces 44 further restrict movement of the flexible member 34.

[0031] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as those shownin FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, aflexible-member-routing bracket 10, 50 comprises a sheet body thatcomprises one or more of its mounting structure 12, its firstguide-structure 11, its second guide-structure 40, its thirdguide-structure 19, its first opposite-side guide-structure 49, itssecond opposite-side guide-structure 47, and its third opposite-sideguide-structure 48 and any of its other parts. The term sheet body as itis used within this disclosure is intended to mean a body of matter thathas two major surfaces each of which extends approximately parallel tothe other along substantially its entire extent and which two majorsurfaces in aggregate comprise the majority of the surface area of thebody of matter. It will be understood that the major surfaces of a sheetbody are not necessarily planar in shape. Construction of the multipleportions of a flexible-member-routing bracket 10, 50 from a common sheetbody is relatively cost effective because a flat sheet of material maybe quickly and easily manipulated in such a manner to form it into ashape that includes those multiple portions of theflexible-member-routing bracket 10, 50.

[0032] The flexible member 34 of an assembly according to the presentinvention may be constructed and engaged to the other components of theassembly in any of a number of manners well-known to and/or easilyimaginable by a person of ordinary skill in the art. An assembly 35according to the present invention may comprise a flexible member 34that is of any of a number of different types including, but not limitedto, tubing, wiring, cable, and optical conductor. A flexible member 34of an assembly 35 according to the present invention may be engaged tothe other components of the assembly in such a manner that it isprevented from translating along its axis relative to the firstflexible-member-routing bracket 10 and the flexible-member-routingaperture 26. Alternatively, a flexible member 34 of an assembly 35according to the present invention may be engaged to the othercomponents of the assembly 35 in such a manner that the flexible member34 may slide along its axis relative to the firstflexible-member-routing bracket 10 and the flexible-member-routingaperture 26. Of course it will also be understood that there may be morethan one flexible member 34 that extends adjacent the firstflexible-member-routing bracket 10 and through theflexible-member-routing aperture 26.

[0033] Within the guidelines set forth in this disclosure, the form offlexible-member-routing brackets 10, 50 may vary in a number ofdifferent ways to accommodate variable aspects of the construction ofassemblies 35 according to the present invention. One such variableaspect of the construction of assemblies 35 according to the presentinvention that affects the form of flexible-member-routing brackets 10,50 for use therein is the shape of the structure to which the firstflexible-member-routing bracket 10 is to be mounted to and theorientation of that structure relative to the flexible-member-routingaperture 26. In some embodiments of the present invention aflexible-member-routing bracket 10, 50 is particularly well-adapted foruse in assemblies, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 16, and 17, in which the structure to which theflexible-member-routing bracket 10, 50 is to be mounted is flat anddisposed at an angle of between 30 degrees and 150 degrees to theaperture axis 27 of the flexible-member-routing aperture 26. In someembodiments of the present invention the mounting structure 12 of aflexible-member-routing bracket 10, 50 defines a planar mounting surface14 that is disposed in a mounting plane 15 of theflexible-member-routing bracket 10, 50. In other words, in suchembodiments a flexible-member-routing bracket 10, 50 comprises mountingstructure 12 that has a planar mounting surface 14 and the geometricplane within which that planar mounting surface 14 exists is consideredto be a mounting plane 15 of the flexible-member-routing bracket 10, 50.For purposes of this disclosure a geometric plane is a non-corporealreference feature that has a flat, two-dimensional shape that extendsinfinitely in all directions and has no thickness. It should beunderstood that, for purposes of this disclosure, any planar mountingsurface 14 inherently has an associated mounting plane 15 in much thesame way that any cylindrical hole would inherently have an axis. Insuch a case, if the positions and angles of guide-structures and guidesurfaces of the flexible-member-routing bracket relative to any one ofits multiple mounting planes is in accord with the guidelines of thepresent invention, the flexible-member-routing bracket will beconsidered to be in accord with the present invention. It should furtherbe understood that, for purposes of this disclosure, any planar surfacethat has a mounting aperture 21 defined therein or a fastener 22projecting therefrom and that is positioned in such a manner that theplanar surface could be mounted against another component is to beconsidered to be a planar mounting surface 15 of theflexible-member-routing bracket 10, 50. In some such embodiments of thepresent invention a flexible-member-routing bracket 10, 50 further has asecond guide-surface 41 that is disposed at an angle of between 30 and90 degrees relative to the mounting plane 15 and a first guide-surface13 that is disposed at an angle of greater than 0 degrees and less than60 degrees relative to the mounting plane 15 and an angle of between 30degrees and 150 degrees relative to the second guide-surface 41. In somesuch embodiments of the present invention such as those shown in FIGS.1-5. 11, 13, 15, and 16, the mounting structure 12, the firstguide-structure 11, and the second guide-structure 40 are all disposedon a same side of the mounting plane 15 defined by the mountingstructure 12. In some such embodiments of the present invention thefirst guide-surface 13 is approximately parallel to the mounting plane15 of the flexible-member-routing bracket 10, 50 and the firstguide-surface 13 is approximately perpendicular to the secondguide-surface 41 of the flexible-member-routing bracket 10, 50. In someembodiments of the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 7,11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, the second guide-structure 40 extends upto the mounting plane 15 where it meets and is engaged to firstopposite-side leading guide-structure 49 which defines a firstopposite-side guide-surface 51 that is disposed at an angle of between30 and 90 degrees relative to the mounting plane 15. In some suchembodiments of the present invention the first flexible-member-routingbracket 10 further comprises second opposite-side guide-structure 47that defines a second opposite-side guide-surface 52 that is disposed atan angle of between 0 and 60 degrees relative to the mounting plane 15and an angle of between 30 and 150 degrees relative to the secondopposite-side guide-surface 51. In some-such embodiments of the presentinvention the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 further comprisesthird opposite-side guide-structure 48 that extends between the firstopposite-side guide-structure 49 and the second opposite-sideguide-structure 47. In some such embodiments of the present inventionthe third opposite-side guide-structure 48 defines a third opposite-sideguide-surface 53 that extends in a sweeping manner between the firstopposite-side guide-surface 51 and the second opposite-sideguide-surface 52. In some embodiments of the present invention, such asthose shown in FIGS. 1, 11, 13, 15, and 16, the first opposite-sideguide structure 49 is disposed on a side of the mounting plane 15opposite the mounting structure 12, the first guide-structure 11, andthe second guide-structure 40. In some embodiments of the presentinvention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 11, 13, 15, and 16, the firstopposite-side guide structure 49, the second opposite-sideguide-structure 47, and the third opposite-side guide-structure 48 aredisposed on a side of the mounting plane 15 opposite the mountingstructure 12, the first guide-structure 11, and the secondguide-structure 40.

1. (Cancelled)
 2. (Cancelled)
 3. (Cancelled)
 4. (Cancelled) 5.(Cancelled)
 6. The first flexible-member-routing bracket of claim 5,wherein: (a) said trailing guide-surface is approximately parallel tosaid mounting plane; and (b) portions of said leading guide-surfaceadjacent said mounting plane are approximately perpendicular to saidmounting plane.
 7. The first flexible-member-routing bracket of claim 6,wherein: (a) said leading guide-structure extends up to said mountingplane where it meets and is engaged to opposite-side leadingguide-structure that is disposed upon a side of said mounting planeopposite said leading guide-structure; and (b) said opposite-sideleading guide-structure defines an opposite-side leading guide-surfacethat is disposed at an angle of at least 60 degrees with respect to saidmounting plane.
 8. The first flexible-member-routing bracket of claim 7,wherein: (a) said leading guide-structure defines a strap-locatingfeature on a same side of said mounting plane as said trailing guidestructure; and (b) said opposite-side leading guide-structure defines astrap-locating feature on a side of said mounting plane opposite saidtrailing guide-structure.
 9. The first flexible-member-routing bracketof claim 8, wherein: (a) said trailing guide-structure defines one ormore strap-locating features including one or more strap-locatingapertures and/or one or more strap-locating channels; and (b) saidintermediate guide-structure defines one or more strap-locating featuresincluding one or more strap-locating apertures and/or one or morestrap-locating channels.
 10. (Cancelled)
 11. The firstflexible-member-routing bracket of claim 10, wherein: (a) said trailingguide-surface is approximately parallel to said mounting plane; and (b)portions of said leading guide-surface adjacent said mounting plane areapproximately perpendicular to said mounting plane.
 12. The firstflexible-member-routing bracket of claim 11, wherein (a) said leadingguide-structure extends up to said mounting plane where it meets and isengaged to opposite-side leading guide-structure that is disposed upon aside of said mounting plane opposite said leading guide-structure; and(b) said opposite-side leading guide-structure defines an opposite-sideleading guide-surface that is disposed at an angle of at least 60degrees with respect to said mounting plane.
 13. The firstflexible-member-routing bracket of claim 12, wherein: (a) said leadingguide-structure defines a strap-locating feature on a same side of saidmounting plane as said trailing guide structure; and (b) saidopposite-side leading guide-structure defines a strap-locating featureon a side of said mounting plane opposite said trailing guide-structure.14. The first flexible-member-routing bracket of claim 13, wherein: (a)said trailing guide-structure defines or more strap-locating featuresincluding one or more strap-locating apertures and/or one or morestrap-locating channels.
 15. (Cancelled)
 16. The flexible-member-routingguide of claim 15, wherein: (a) said trailing guide-surface isapproximately parallel to said mounting plane; and (b) portions of saidleading guide-surface adjacent said mounting plane are approximatelyperpendicular to said mounting plane.
 17. The firstflexible-member-routing bracket of claim 16, wherein: (a) said mountingstructure comprises a mounting feature which, is either a fasteneraperture defined by said mounting structure or a fastener fixedlyengaged to said mounting structure.
 18. The firstflexible-member-routing bracket of claim 1, wherein: (a) said trailingguide-surface is approximately parallel to said mounting plane; and (b)portions of said leading guide-surface adjacent said mounting plane areapproximately perpendicular to said mounting plane.
 19. The firstflexible-member-routing bracket of claim 2, wherein: (a) said trailingguide-surface is approximately parallel to said mounting plane; and (b)portions of said leading guide-surface adjacent said mounting plane areapproximately perpendicular to said mounting plane.
 20. The firstflexible-member-routing bracket of claim 3, wherein: (a) said trailingguide-surface is approximately parallel to said mounting plane; and (b)portions of said leading guide-surface adjacent said mounting plane areapproximately perpendicular to said mounting plane.
 21. The firstflexible-member-routing bracket of claim 4, wherein: (a) said trailingguide-surface is approximately parallel to said mounting plane; and (b)portions of said leading guide-surface adjacent said mounting plane areapproximately perpendicular to said mounting plane.
 22. A firstflexible-member-routing bracket, comprising: (a) mounting structure thatdefines a planar mounting surface which defines a mounting plane of thefirst flexible-member-routing bracket and which mounting structurecomprises a mounting feature that is a mounting aperture defined in saidplanar mounting surface or a fastener that protrudes from said planarmounting surface; (b) wherein said mounting plane is the geometric planewithin which said planar mounting surface of said mounting structure isdisposed; (c) first guide-structure that is directly or indirectlyfixedly engaged to said mounting structure and which firstguide-structure defines a first guide-surface that is disposed atdistance from said mounting plane and an angle of between 0 and 60degrees relative to said mounting plane; (d) second guide-structure thatis directly or indirectly fixedly engaged to said mounting structure andsaid first guide-structure and which second guide-structure defines asecond guide-surface that is disposed at an angle of between 30 and 150degrees relative to said first guide-surface and which secondguide-surface is disposed closer to said mounting plane than is saidfirst guide-surface and which second guide-surface is disposed at anangle of between 30 and 90 degrees relative to said mounting plane; (e)wherein said mounting structure, said first guide-structure, and saidsecond guide structure are all disposed upon the same side of saidmounting plane. (f) said second guide-structure extends up to saidmounting plane where it meets and is engaged to first opposite-sideguide-structure that is disposed on the side of said mounting planeopposite said second guide structure; and (g) said first opposite-sideguide-structure defines first opposite-side guide-surface that isdisposed at an angle of between 30 and 90 degrees relative to saidmounting plane.
 23. The first flexible-member-routing bracket of claim22, wherein: (a) said flexible member routing bracket comprises secondopposite-side guide-structure that is disposed on the side of themounting plane opposite said second guide-structure, that is engaged tosaid first opposite-side guide-structure through third opposite-sideguide structure that extends between and is engaged to said firstopposite-side guide-structure and said second opposite-sideguide-structure; (b) said second opposite-side guide-structure defines asecond opposite-side guide-surface that is disposed at an angle ofbetween 0 and 60 degrees relative to said mounting plane and that isalso disposed at an angle of between 30 and 150 degrees relative to saidfirst opposite-side guide-surface; and (c) said third opposite-sideguide-structure defines a third opposite-side guide-surface that extendsin a sweeping manner between said first opposite-side guide-surface andsaid second opposite-side guide-surface.
 24. The firstflexible-member-routing bracket of claim 23, wherein: (a) said firstflexible-member-routing bracket comprises a sheet body that comprisessaid second guide-structure, said third guide-structure, said firstguide-structure, said first opposite-side guide-structure, said thirdopposite-side guide-structure, said second opposite-sideguide-structure, and said mounting structure.
 25. The firstflexible-member-routing bracket of claim 24, wherein: (a) said firstopposite-side guide-structure defines one or more strap-locatingfeatures and/or said second opposite-side guide-structure defines one ormore strap-locating features.
 26. The first flexible-member-routingbracket of claim 22, wherein: (a) said opposite-side leadingguide-structure defines one or more strap-locating features.
 27. Anassembly, comprising: (a) a first flexible-member-routing bracket thatis serviceably fixedly mounted to a divider component of said assemblyadjacent a flexible-member-routing aperture defined by said dividercomponent; (b) a flexible member that comprises a penetrating portionthat extends through said flexible-member-routing aperture; (c) whereinsaid flexible member further comprises a distal portion that extendsaway from said flexible-member-routing aperture at an angle of at least30 degrees relative to an aperture axis of said flexible-member-routingaperture; (d) wherein said flexible member further comprises atransition portion that extends between said penetrating portion andsaid distal portion thereof; (e) wherein said firstflexible-member-routing bracket comprises trailing guide-structure thatdefines a trailing guide-surface that is disposed at an angle of atleast 30 degrees relative to said aperture axis and that is disposed ata distance from said flexible-member-routing aperture in directionsparallel to said aperture axis and also in directions perpendicular tosaid aperture axis; and (e) wherein a trailing portion of saidtransition portion of said flexible member extends adjacent to saidtrailing guide-surface.
 28. The assembly of claim 27, wherein: (a) saidfirst flexible-member-routing bracket comprises mounting structure thatis directly or indirectly fixedly engaged to said trailingguide-structure and that is serviceably fixedly engaged to said dividercomponent; and (b) said first flexible-member-routing bracket comprisesa sheet body that comprises said trailing guide-structure and saidmounting structure.
 29. The assembly of claim 28, wherein: (a) saidfirst flexible-member-routing bracket comprises leading guide-structurethat is directly or indirectly fixedly engaged to said trailingguide-structure and said mounting structure; (b) said leadingguide-structure defines a leading guide-surface; and (c) a portion ofsaid leading guide-surface that is disposed adjacent to saidflexible-member-routing aperture and also a leading portion of saidtransition portion of said flexible member extend adjacent one anotherat angles of less than 60 degrees relative to said aperture axis andalso at angles of greater than 30 degrees relative to said trailingguide-surface.
 30. The assembly of claim 29, wherein: (a) said leadingguide-structure extends through said flexible-member-routing aperturewhere it meets and is engaged to opposite-side leading guide-structurethat is disposed upon a side of said divider component opposite saidtrailing guide-structure; (b) said opposite-side leading guide-structuredefines an opposite-side leading guide-surface that is disposed adjacentsaid flexible-member-routing aperture and that extends at an angle ofless than 60 degrees relative to said aperture axis.
 31. The assembly ofclaim 30, wherein: (a) said sheet body also comprises said leadingguide-structure.
 32. The assembly of claim 31, wherein: (a) said leadingportion of said transition portion of said flexible member is strappedto said to said leading guide-structure and said trailing portion ofsaid transition portion of said flexible member is strapped to saidtrailing guide-structure.
 33. The assembly of claim 32, wherein: (a)said leading portion of said transition portion of said flexible memberis strapped to said to said leading guide-structure and said trailingportion of said transition portion of said flexible member is strappedto said trailing guide-structure.
 34. The assembly of claim 33, wherein:(a) said divider component or another component of said assembly definesa flexible-member-routing surface that extends at an angle of at least30 degrees relative to said aperture axis; and (b) at least a portion ofsaid distal portion of said flexible member is disposed adjacent to andextends parallel to said flexible-member-routing surface.
 35. Theassembly of claim 34, wherein: (a) said sheet body of said firstflexible-member-routing bracket comprises intermediate guide-structurethat extends between said leading guide-structure and said trailingguide structure; (b) said intermediate guide-structure defines anintermediate guide-surface that extends in a sweeping manner betweensaid leading guide-surface and said trailing guide-surface; and (c) anintermediate portion of said transition portion of said flexible memberextends adjacent said intermediate guide-structure.
 36. The assembly ofclaim 35, wherein: (a) said leading guide-structure and/or said trailingguide-structure defines one or more strap-locating features includingone or more strap-locating apertures and/or one or more strap-locatingchannels; and (b) a portion of one or more straps, which straps aportion of said flexible member to said first flexible-member-routingbracket, passes through one or more of said strap-locating features. 37.The assembly of claim 36, wherein: (a) said assembly is a vehicle; (b)said vehicle comprises one or more frame structures to which a majorityof other components of said vehicle are directly or indirectly engagedand which derive support directly or indirectly from said one or moreframe structures; (c) said vehicle comprises a suspension system that isengaged to said one or more frame structures above the ground andprovides said vehicle with a relatively low resistance to movement alongthe ground; and (d) said vehicle comprises one or more body structuresthat are mounted to said one or more frame structures and upon or withinwhich cargo and/or occupants may reside.
 38. The assembly of claim 37,wherein: (a) said divider component is a frame rail of one of said oneor more frame structures of said assembly.
 39. The assembly of claim 27,wherein: (a) said first flexible-member-routing bracket comprisesleading guide-structure that defines a leading guide-surface; and (b) aportion of said leading guide-surface that is disposed adjacent to saidflexible-member-routing aperture and also a leading portion of saidtransition portion of said flexible member extend adjacent one anotherat angles of less than 60 degrees relative to said aperture axis and atangles of greater than 30 degrees relative to said trailingguide-surface.
 40. The assembly of claim 39, wherein: (a) said leadingportion of said transition portion is strapped to said leadingguide-structure and/or said trailing portion of said transition portionis strapped to said trailing guide-structure.
 41. The assembly of claim40, wherein: (a) said leading portion of said transition portion isstrapped to said leading guide-structure and said trailing portion ofsaid transition portion is strapped to said trailing guide-structure.42. The assembly of claim 41, wherein: (a) said divider component oranother component of said assembly defines a flexible-member-routingsurface that extends at an angle of at least 30 degrees relative to saidaperture axis; and (b) at least a portion of said distal portion of saidflexible member is disposed adjacent to and extends parallel to saidflexible-member-routing surface.
 43. The assembly of claim 42, wherein:(a) said first flexible-member-routing bracket comprises intermediateguide structure that is fixedly engaged to and extends between saidtrailing guide-structure and said leading guide-structure; (b) saidintermediate guide-structure defines an intermediate guide-surface thatextends in a sweeping manner between said leading guide-surface and saidtrailing guide-surface; and (c) an intermediate portion of saidtransition portion of said flexible member extends adjacent saidintermediate guide-structure.
 44. The assembly of claim 43, wherein: (a)said assembly is a vehicle; (b) said vehicle comprises one or more framestructures to which a majority of other components of said vehicle aredirectly or indirectly engaged and which derive support directly orindirectly from said one or more frame structures; (c) said vehiclecomprises a suspension system that is engaged to said one or more framestructures above the ground and provides said vehicle with a relativelylow resistance to movement along the ground; and (d) said vehiclecomprises one or more body structures that are mounted to said one ormore frame structures and upon or within which cargo and/or occupantsmay reside.
 45. The assembly of claim 39, wherein: (a) said firstflexible-member-routing bracket comprises intermediate guide structurethat is fixedly engaged to and extends between said trailingguide-structure and said leading guide-structure; (b) said intermediateguide-structure defines an intermediate guide-surface that extends in asweeping manner between said leading guide-surface and said trailingguide-surface; and (c) an intermediate portion of said transitionportion of said flexible member extends adjacent said intermediateguide-structure.
 46. The assembly of claim 29, wherein: (a) said sheetbody also comprises said leading guide-structure.
 47. The assembly ofclaim 46, further comprising: (a) said sheet body of said firstflexible-member-routing bracket comprises intermediate guide-structurethat extends between said leading guide-structure and said trailingguide structure; and (b) said intermediate guide-structure defines anintermediate guide-surface that extends in a sweeping manner betweensaid leading guide-surface and said trailing guide-surface; and (c) anintermediate portion of said transition portion of said flexible memberextends adjacent said intermediate guide-structure.
 48. The assembly ofclaim 27, wherein: (a) said divider component or another component ofsaid assembly defines a flexible-member-routing surface that extends atan angle of at least 30 degrees relative to said aperture axis; and (b)at least a portion of said distal portion of said flexible member isdisposed adjacent to and extends parallel to saidflexible-member-routing surface.
 49. The assembly of claim 29, wherein:(a) said divider component or another component of said assembly definesa flexible-member-routing surface that extends at an angle of at least30 degrees relative to said aperture axis; and (b) at least a portion ofsaid distal portion of said flexible member is disposed adjacent to andextends parallel to said flexible-member-routing surface.
 50. Theassembly of claim 39, wherein: (a) said divider component or anothercomponent of said assembly defines a flexible-member-routing surfacethat extends at an angle of at least 30 degrees relative to saidaperture axis; and (b) at least a portion of said distal portion of saidflexible member is disposed adjacent to and extends parallel to saidflexible-member-routing surface.
 51. The assembly of claim 27, wherein:(a) said assembly is a vehicle; (b) said vehicle comprises one or moreframe structures to which a majority of other components of said vehicleare directly or indirectly engaged and which derive support directly orindirectly from said one or more frame structures; (c) said vehiclecomprises a suspension system that is engaged to said one or more framestructures above the ground and provides said vehicle with a relativelylow resistance to movement along the ground; and (d) said vehiclecomprises one or more body structures that are mounted to said one ormore frame structures and upon or within which cargo and/or occupantsmay reside.
 52. The assembly of claim 29, wherein: (a) said assembly isa vehicle; (b) said vehicle comprises one or more frame structures towhich a majority of other components of said vehicle are directly orindirectly engaged and which derive support directly or indirectly fromsaid one or more frame structures; (c) said vehicle comprises asuspension system that is engaged to said one or more frame structuresabove the ground and provides said vehicle with a relatively lowresistance to movement along the ground; and (d) said vehicle comprisesone or more body structures that are mounted to said one or more framestructures and upon or within which cargo and/or occupants may reside.53. The assembly of claim 39, wherein: (a) said assembly is a vehicle;(b) said vehicle comprises one or more frame structures to which amajority of other components of said vehicle are directly or indirectlyengaged and which derive support directly or indirectly from said one ormore frame structures; (c) said vehicle comprises a suspension systemthat is engaged to said one or more frame structures above the groundand provides said vehicle with a relatively low resistance to movementalong the ground; and (d) said vehicle comprises one or more bodystructures that are mounted to said one or more frame structures andupon or within which cargo and/or occupants may reside.
 54. The assemblyof claim 30, wherein: (a) said leading guide-structure defines astrap-locating feature on a same side of said mounting plane as saidtrailing guide structure; and (b) said opposite-side leadingguide-structure defines a strap-locating feature on a side of saidmounting plane opposite said trailing guide-structure.
 55. An assembly,comprising: (a) a first flexible-member-routing bracket that isserviceably fixedly mounted to a divider component of said assemblyadjacent a flexible-member-routing aperture defined by said dividercomponent; (b) a flexible member that comprises a penetrating portionthat extends through said flexible-member-routing aperture; (c) whereinsaid flexible member further comprises a distal portion that extendsaway from said flexible-member-routing aperture at an angle of at least30 degrees relative to an aperture axis of said flexible-member-routingaperture; (d) wherein said flexible member further comprises atransition portion that extends between said penetrating portion andsaid distal portion thereof; (e) wherein said firstflexible-member-routing bracket comprises leading guide-structure thatdefines a leading guide-surface that is disposed adjacent saidflexible-member-routing aperture and that is disposed at an angle ofless than 60 degrees relative to said aperture axis; (f) wherein aleading portion of said transition portion of said flexible memberextends adjacent said leading guide-surface and is strapped to saidleading guide-structure; (c) wherein said leading guide-structureextends through said flexible-member-routing aperture where it meets andis engaged to opposite-side leading guide-structure that is disposedupon a side of said divider component opposite said trailingguide-structure; (g) wherein said opposite-side leading guide-structuredefines an opposite-side leading guide-surface that is disposed adjacentsaid flexible-member-routing aperture and that extends at an angle ofless than 60 degrees relative to said aperture axis; (h) wherein saidflexible member further comprises an opposite-side distal portion thatis disposed upon a side of said penetrating portion opposite said distalportion of said flexible member; (i) wherein said opposite-side distalportion of said flexible member extends away from saidflexible-member-routing aperture at an angle of at least 30 degrees; (j)wherein said flexible member comprises an opposite-side transitionportion that extends between said penetrating portion and saidopposite-side distal portion; and (k) wherein an opposite-side leadingportion of said opposite-side transition portion of said flexible memberextends adjacent said opposite-side leading guide-surface and isstrapped to said opposite-side leading guide-structure.
 56. The assemblyof claim 55, wherein: (a) said leading guide-structure defines one ormore strap-locating features through which extend one or more strapsthat strap said leading portion of said transition of said flexiblemember to said leading guide-structure; and (b) said opposite-sideleading guide-structure defines one or more strap-locating featuresthrough which extend one or more straps that strap said opposite-sideleading portion of said opposite-side transition portion of saidflexible member.
 57. The assembly of claim 56, wherein: (a) saidassembly is a vehicle; (b) said vehicle comprises one or more framestructures to which a majority of other components of said vehicle aredirectly or indirectly engaged and which derive support directly orindirectly from said one or more frame structures; (c) said vehiclecomprises a suspension system that is engaged to said one or more framestructures above the ground and provides said vehicle with a relativelylow resistance to movement along the ground; and (d) said vehiclecomprises one or more body structures that are mounted to said one ormore frame structures and upon or within which cargo and/or occupantsmay reside.
 58. The assembly of claim 57, wherein: (a) said firstflexible-member-routing bracket comprises trailing guide-structure thatdefines a trailing guide-surface that is disposed at an angle of atleast 30 degrees relative to said aperture axis and that is disposed ata distance from said flexible-member-routing aperture in directionsparallel to said aperture axis and directions perpendicular to saidaperture axis; (b) said trailing guide-surface is disposed at an angleof at least 30 degrees relative to said leading guide-surface; and (c)wherein a trailing portion of said transition portion of said flexiblemember extends adjacent to said trailing guide-surface.
 59. The assemblyof claim 27, further comprising: (a) a second flexible-member-routingbracket that is serviceably fixedly mounted to said divider component ofsaid assembly adjacent said flexible-member-routing aperture defined bysaid divider component; (b) wherein said flexible member furthercomprises an opposite-side distal portion that is disposed upon a sideof said divider component opposite said first flexible-member-routingbracket; (c) wherein said opposite-side distal portion of said flexiblemember extends away from said flexible-member-routing aperture at anangle of greater than 30 degrees relative to said aperture axis; (d)wherein said flexible member further comprises an opposite-sidetransition portion that extends between said penetrating portion andsaid opposite-side distal portion thereof; (e) wherein said secondflexible-member-routing bracket comprises trailing guide-structure thatdefines a trailing guide-surface that is disposed at an angle of atleast 30 degrees relative to said aperture axis and that is disposed ata distance from said flexible-member-routing aperture in directionsparallel to said aperture axis and also in directions perpendicular tosaid aperture axis; (f) wherein an opposite-side trailing portion ofsaid opposite-side transition portion of said flexible member extendsadjacent to said opposite-side trailing guide-surface.
 60. The assemblyof claim 59, wherein: (a) said trailing portion of said transitionportion of said flexible member is strapped to said trailingguide-structure of said first flexible-member-routing bracket and/orsaid opposite-side trailing portion of said opposite-side transitionportion of said flexible member is strapped to said opposite-sidetrailing guide-structure of said second flexible-member-routing bracket.61. The assembly of claim 60, wherein: (a) said firstflexible-member-routing bracket comprises leading guide-structure thatis directly or indirectly fixedly engaged to said trailingguide-structure and is disposed upon a same side of said dividercomponent as said trailing guide-structure; (b) said leadingguide-structure defines a leading guide-surface that is disposedadjacent to said flexible-member-routing aperture at a position closerthereto than said trailing guide surface in both directionsperpendicular to said aperture axis and directions parallel to saidaperture axis; (c) said leading guide-surface is disposed at an angle ofless than 60 degrees relative to said aperture axis; (d) said leadingguide-surface is disposed at an angle of at least 30 degrees relative tosaid trailing guide-surface; and (e) a leading portion of saidtransition portion of said flexible member extends adjacent said leadingguide-surface.
 62. The assembly of claim 61, wherein: (a) said secondflexible-member-routing bracket comprises opposite-side leadingguide-structure that is directly or indirectly fixedly engaged to saidopposite-side trailing guide-structure and is disposed upon a same sideof said divider component as said opposite-side trailingguide-structure; (b) said opposite-side leading guide-structure definesan opposite-side leading guide-surface that is disposed adjacent to saidflexible-member-routing aperture at a position closer thereto than saidopposite-side trailing guide surface in both directions perpendicular tosaid aperture axis and directions parallel to said aperture axis; (c)said opposite-side leading guide-surface is disposed at an angle of lessthan 60 degrees relative to said aperture axis; (d) said opposite-sideleading guide-surface is disposed at an angle of at least 30 degreesrelative to said opposite-side trailing guide-surface; and (e) anopposite-side leading portion of said opposite-side transition portionof said flexible member extends adjacent said opposite-side leadingguide-surface.
 63. The assembly of claim 62, wherein: (a) said leadingportion of said transition portion of said flexible member is strappedto said leading guide-structure.
 64. The assembly of claim 63, wherein:(a) said opposite-side leading portion of said opposite-side transitionportion of said flexible member is strapped to said opposite-sideleading guide-structure.
 65. The assembly of claim 30, wherein: (a) saidfirst flexible member comprises an opposite-side distal portion that isdisposed upon a side of said penetrating portion of said flexible memberopposite said distal portion of said flexible member; (b) saidopposite-side distal portion of said flexible member extends away fromsaid flexible-member-routing aperture at an angle greater than 30degrees with respect to said aperture axis; (c) said flexible membercomprises an opposite-side transition portion that extends between saidpenetrating portion and said opposite-side distal portion; (d) anopposite-side leading portion of said opposite-side transition portionof said flexible member extends adjacent said opposite-side leadingguide-surface; (e) said first flexible-member-routing bracket comprisesopposite-side trailing guide-structure that is disposed upon a side ofsaid divider component opposite said mounting structure; (f) said firstflexible-member-routing bracket comprises intermediate guide structurethat is engaged to and extends between said opposite-side leadingguide-structure and said opposite-side trailing guide-structure; (g)said opposite-side trailing guide-structure defines an opposite-sidetrailing guide-surface that is disposed farther from saidflexible-member-routing aperture than said opposite-side leadingguide-surface in both directions parallel to said aperture axis anddirections perpendicular to said aperture axis; (h) said opposite-sidetrailing guide-surface is disposed at an angle of at least 30 degreesrelative to said aperture axis and also at an angle of at least 30degrees relative to said opposite-side leading guide-structure; and (i)an opposite-side trailing portion of said opposite-side transitionportion of said flexible member extends adjacent to said opposite-sidetrailing guide-surface.
 66. The assembly of claim 65, wherein: (a) saidopposite-side leading portion of said opposite-side transition portionof said flexible member is strapped to said opposite-side leadingguide-structure and/or said opposite-side trailing portion of saidopposite-side transition portion is strapped to said opposite-sidetrailing guide-structure.
 67. The assembly of claim 29, wherein: (a)said trailing guide-surface faces away from said flexible-member-routingaperture.